Trends in Real Estate Classifieds



Renters and home-buyers more than ever research and learn about the real estate industry online. This means that realtors and property management firms need to spend more of their marketing efforts and energy on digital advertising solutions and tools. This will ensure a more increased return on their investment. When deciding on these tools, some important features need to be highlighted which seem to be the future of the real estate online.



Enhanced Images and Videos


When it comes to online advertising, great photography and videos help buyers to make a confident decision. Now, because of digital cameras with high resolution features to drone technology, anyone and everyone can list ads with photos and videos. With listings becoming easily available online through MLS and other listing sites, buyers and renters alike want visual details that help narrow down choices quickly and not miss the best option within their budget.



Specifically videos have a stronger emotional impact in online search, as it provides audio and visual engagement which help the viewer to remember more details. While photos are easier to be shared with everyone as it offers smaller sizes and fully supported on all social and digital outlets. But depending on the focus of what you want to showcase, photos and videos have their own pros and cons. Photos have a lower production cost and can be processed quickly, versus videos do have a higher production cost and requires higher-end technology while still stronger at building a story.




Drones fit right in the middle category of photos and videos. Compared to cameras and video equipment, the usage of drones does not require a lot of technical knowledge. They can be used to take photos and videos, which are eye catching without the real need of a professional photographer. Drones also offer the “wow” factor companies are looking for and dramatic aerial views providing an impactful impression for your audience. Especially when videos increase online engagement, using drone footage on your website and social media sites also increase your brand image.


Responsive Tools


When it comes to online engagement, new forms of information sources and processes are emerging and taking the center stage in how consumers complete their needs online. There are several specific types of tools that directly will impact the real estate industry.



Rating sites and online reviews have become more of a basic requirement for all service and retail companies. Actually now 92% of consumers read online reviews before they make a decision. Also, 57% would use a business with a 3 star rating and up to 94% would use a business with a 4 star rating. These tools have turned into a new form of word of mouth and providing objective knowledge, helping agents to be one step ahead of their competition.


The rise of transaction systems such as PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Wallet, are pushing more industries to offer easy to process payment options online. Most everything can be processed online now – health bills, online food orders, tax payments and even real estate management companies are offering online credit card payments. There is a trend rising for consumers to use their credit cards or payment processors for rental payments not only for short term rentals but also for long term apartment rentals.


As the digital world is connecting the world with all the data possible, trends for localizing and personalizing the information has been necessary. This same trend has allowed the real estate industry to offer website portals for their listings to preview offerings and send applications. The same information is also shared with platforms that cover multiple industries or exclusively on the real estate industry, such as Zillow and Trulia. Local agents have also connected their listings with local newspapers that offer strong branding in their communities. Property data has become one of the most sought after online which makes portals and platforms as key digital hot spots.


Advice Content



Marketing real estate listings is not so easy anymore. There are multiple websites that can offer the same listing details so it is very tough if marketing disciplines are not executed. Some of these marketing practices include blogging, SEO, social media and video. These all need to work together with focus on specific topics and themes that provide guidance to the buyer.



One of the big discussions recently have been around tax bill-related advice. Laws and regulations keep changing which the buyer would want direction and suggestions on. According to recent research by Realtor.com, 43% of buyers this year say tax changes will influence their decision and approach. Consumers need more information on what the bill is and it seems real estate agents and firms are perfectly qualified and positioned to fulfill that need.



When blogging and using SEO with social media, making sure the content is hyperlocal and targeted is very important. This means writing and delivering the right articles to the right people. Consumers are interested in specific locations and neighborhoods, so having content that is narrowed down to the issues and reports for the area, meets needs. With regards to demographics, the rise of Millennials has also some impact on the industry. Realtor.com forecasts that 43% of them will take our mortgages in 2018 and the largest cohort will turn age 30 in the next 2 years. Advise specific to Millennials and their home buying concerns and preferences should also be addressed, which seems will direct the industry for the years to come.

AdPerfect Adds The Seattle Times to Its Growing Customer List

October 19, 2020
AdPerfect, one of the leading obituary platforms used by media companies across North America, will provide its technology and expertise to The Seattle Times, the most read local news and information company in the Pacific Northwest. The AdPerfect Obituary platform provides readers and customers with an exceptional experience for sharing the life and memories of a loved one who has passed. The platform provides a modern user interface and an efficient self-serve option for funeral homes and private parties to place obituary notices. “We’ve worked closely with AdPerfect for a number of years on other products and their customer service, attention to detail and willingness to be a true partner is second to none”, said Gary Smith, VP of Advertising – The Seattle Times AdPerfect was acquired by Tribute Technology last August, a company that provides funeral management and website software to 70% of the funeral home businesses in the U.S.A and Canada. Today, with a direct connection between AdPerfect’s obituary software solution and local funeral home’s software, this never-before-seen opportunity is quickly being adopted by hundreds of local media outlets. “We’re ecstatic to have The Seattle Times take advantage of our obituary platform, as the devotion and admiration they enjoy from informed readers throughout the Pacific Northwest demonstrates how committed they are to their customers. Being able to provide The Seattle Times and funeral homes in the Seattle area with a fully integrated platform will mean better service for families” said Jim McIntosh, Executive Chairman of AdPerfect. About AdPerfect AdPerfect is the most trusted provider of mobile-friendly self-service advertising solutions for publishers and newspapers. We build reliable online platforms and engaging interfaces focused on attracting advertisers, driving user traffic and growing print and digital revenue. For more than a decade, we have always been, and continue to be, committed to designing technologies that support the evolving needs of the media publishing industry. For more information, contact Jim McIntosh, Executive Chairman, AdPerfect at jim.mcintosh@adperfect.com or phone 604.760.9039.   About The Seattle Times The Seattle Times serves the Northwest with independent, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalism, as the region’s most trusted news media company, dedicated to public service. The Seattle Times is the second largest newspaper on the West Coast and the most-visited digital information source in the state. Founded in 1896 by Alden J. Blethen, The Seattle Times is now led by the Blethen family’s fourth and fifth generations. It also owns the Yakima Herald-Republic and The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin About Tribute Technology Tribute Technology is the leading technology provider for the funeral and death care industry. Tribute Technology provides website design and development; online obituary applications; case management software; extensive funeral payment technology including credit card processing, ACH payments, crowdfunding, financing, and life insurance assignments; floral eCommerce solutions; digital marketing services; and personalization software for keepsakes, funeral stationery, and video. Tribute Technology's goal is to be the turnkey funeral technology solution for funeral homes and publishers across North America.

AdPerfect Discusses the Company's Obituary Platform & Freemium Model on Guaranteed Digital: The Podcast

September 8, 2020
In partnership with the Local Media Association’s Digital Summit, Daryl Hively of Guarantee Digital conducted podcasts with each of the Association’s many Research and Development partners prior to the start of the conference. In this episode, Daryl sat down with Matthew Ipsan, to learn more about the AdPerfect freemium model, how the company is focused on helping the industry find new and sustainable business models and how the acquisition of AdPerfect by Tribute Technology is a game changer for local media companies.

AdPerfect Participates in Local Media Association Panel Discussion: Look Globally, Deploy Locally

September 4, 2020
Kirsten and Matthew were joined by guests Ashley Montroy, Executive Vice President of Tribute Technology and Nancy Davis from the Arbor Day Foundation. Both companies have seen tremendous revenue results by harnessing the power of data to make the customer journey both enjoyable and efficient.

AdPerfect Introduces Keynote Speaker at 2020 Local Media Association's Digital Summit

September 4, 2020
With nearly 600 people in attendance, virtually, Matthew Ipsan of AdPerfect explained how the AdPerfect freemium model is a perfect example of a new business structure - one designed to provide local media companies with two essential elements for sustainability - significant expense reduction and new incremental revenue through e-commerce.

Tribute Technology Acquires AdPerfect

By jgreen • February 15, 2020
Tribute Technology, the leading provider of funeral management and website services, with cutting-edge personalization and technology solutions used by more than 70% of funeral homes in the United States, has acquired AdPerfect, one of the leading obituary platforms used by media companies across North America. The acquisition will deliver online and self-serve obituaries at no cost to local publishers, while also providing publishers of all sizes and platforms with significant revenue-driving products, such as the Tribute Store.

Online Conversions in 2019

By jgreen • July 22, 2019
The primary goal of online marketing and content is to attract leads and lead them to make a decision. Online conversions are now the ROI of every company. To keep up, every company needs to be aware of new automation options and technology to accomplish wider online reach. Here are some stats […]

The New Social Paradigm – Distribute Information or Provide Value?

By Pelin Arin • June 20, 2019
Communicating with customers and prospects are spanning to wider applications. Just calling a phone number is no longer enough. As customers are more aware of their options, they want more robust and agile services and the content of your message needs to be multifaceted and provide value. In comes social selling, using […]

Artificial Intelligence Marketing

By Pelin Arin • June 12, 2019
With Google and Amazon investing more and more in artificial intelligence, there is still a lot of expectations and hype around the upcoming developments in technology. Although no one for sure can confidently forecast or speculate where the industry stands on this, we looks at some interesting numbers and stats.

Ethical Advertising in the Intelligent Era

By Pelin Arin • June 10, 2019
Online interactions are not only redefining how we receive and gather information, but also our definitions of ethics online are also being redefined. Majority of consumers now believe that using data to personalize ads is unethical. According to research, 59% believe that personalization to create tailored newsfeeds — precisely what Facebook, Twitter, […]

Online Classifieds in 2019

By Pelin Arin • June 5, 2019
According to recent research from the Online Classifieds Industry Report, 56.9% of companies are confirming that they plan to launch new products or services, while 58.6% planning to hire new staff in the next year and even, 38% plan to modify their business model in the next 3-5 years. This shows an optimistic and […]
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